CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN – OUT IN THE OPEN

Time seemed to stand still. Karina was acutely aware of every eye in the room on her, of cameras flashing, of the expectant hush that had fallen over the crowd. She looked down at Miguel, into those dark eyes that had once held so much animosity towards her. Now, they shone with an emotion she couldn't quite name. Vulnerability? Hope? Or was it all just an act? Karina took a shaky breath. This was it. No turning back now. "Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Then louder, for the benefit of their audience, "Yes, Miguel. I'll marry you!" The room erupted in applause and cheers. Miguel slipped the ring onto her finger – a perfect fit, she noted absently – and stood, pulling her into his arms. And then he was kissing her. It wasn't the chaste, for-the-cameras kiss Karina had expected. No, this was deep, passionate, almost desperate. Miguel's arms tightened around her waist, pulling her flush against him. Without thinking, Karina's hands found their way to his hair, her